Properly fitting shoes are essential for foot health, considering that your feet can take thousands of steps daily. Shoe width is equally important as shoe length and can greatly affect your comfort and overall well-being. Shoe width is typically measured around the forefoot, which is the widest part of your foot. However, not all shoe brands offer a variety of widths, making it challenging to find options narrower or wider than the standard. It is important to have your feet measured each time you shop for shoes since your feet can change shape and size over time. Measuring at day's end, when your feet are at their largest, helps ensure you do not underestimate the width. Most people have one foot larger than the other, so choose shoes based on the size of your larger foot. Shoes should fit comfortably from the start, as trying to break in footwear that is too tight can lead to foot problems and pain. In fact, wearing tight shoes can cause common foot issues like corns, calluses, ingrown toenails, bunions, and hammer toes, which can be painful and may require treatment, including surgery in severe cases. If persistent foot pain, toe deformities, signs of infection, or underlying health issues such as diabetes or poor blood flow are a concern, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for appropriate guidance in selecting the proper width shoes for your feet.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of Tanya R. Sellers-Hannibal, DPM from Maryland. Our doctor will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Owings Mills, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Cracked heels are a common foot ailment, but one surprising cause is the fungal infection known as athlete's foot. Although it typically presents as itchy, scaly skin on the soles and between the toes, athlete's foot can also affect the heels, leading to painful fissures. If extra moisturizing does not help this problem, cracked heels may be a result of an underlying health condition such as hypothyroidism or diabetes. Additionally,  Sjögren's syndrome, a condition that hinders moisture production, or the presence of bone spurs in the heels may indicate cracked heels. These conditions require thorough evaluation and appropriate medical management to ensure comprehensive foot health. If you have persistent cracked heels, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and effective treatment.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact Tanya R. Sellers-Hannibal, DPM from Maryland. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Owings Mills, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Toe pain is a common discomfort that can significantly impact your daily life. One of the leading causes is wearing shoes that are too tight or too loose, which can exert pressure on the toes, leading to pain and discomfort. Additionally, injuries such as stubbing or dropping heavy objects on the toes can result in acute pain. Ingrown toenails, a condition where the nail grows into the surrounding skin, are another common culprit. Arthritis, characterized by inflammation of the joints, can affect the toes and cause persistent pain. Toe pain may also be indicative of conditions like gout or bunions, where joint inflammation and deformities contribute to discomfort. Understanding these common causes empowers individuals to make informed choices about their footwear, lifestyle, and seek timely medical attention from a podiatrist to alleviate toe pain and enhance overall foot health. If you are experiencing toe pain, it is suggested that you visit this type of doctor who can determine the cause and offer appropriate treatment options.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Tanya R. Sellers-Hannibal, DPM of Maryland. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Owings Mills, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments that support the ankle are stretched or torn. This type of sprain is a common injury, constituting 25 percent of all sports-related injuries. Ankle sprains can affect anyone, not just those engaged in sports. While they are often caused by activities such as running and walking, they also can be the result of missteps on uneven surfaces, such as stepping into a hole or missing a curb. Symptoms vary in severity, and include pain, soreness, swelling, difficulty bearing weight or walking, and bruising. Diagnosis involves a comprehensive examination by a podiatrist, who can evaluate bones, soft tissues, range of motion, and strength. In some cases, imaging studies like X-rays may be ordered to rule out additional injuries, such as a fracture. Timely and proper treatment typically takes between four and six weeks, depending on severity. Acknowledging the causes and symptoms of ankle sprains is important for prompt intervention, ensuring optimal recovery and minimizing the risk of future complications arising from these common injuries. If you have endured an ankle sprain, it is suggested that you schedule an immediate appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact Tanya R. Sellers-Hannibal, DPM from Maryland. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Owings Mills, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar fasciitis, a common foot condition characterized by inflammation and degeneration of the tissue supporting the sole of the foot, can cause a great deal of pain. Orthotics are known to be helpful in eliminating sharp heel pain, particularly in the morning or after prolonged periods of sitting. The two primary causes associated with plantar fasciitis are muscle imbalance and poor foot biomechanics. The main types of orthotics that can provide much needed support include heel cups or pads, and shoe inserts. Heel cups are small inserts for the back of your shoe that lift the heel slightly. This reduces tension on the Achilles tendon, subsequently easing stress on the plantar fascia. Additionally, the cushioning effect helps to absorb shock. Experts suggest wearing heel cups in both shoes to avoid leg length discrepancies that could lead to further issues in the foot, knee, and back. Shoe inserts provide support beyond the heel. With a deep heel cup and contoured shape, they provide stability and biomechanical support. Half length insoles fit under the heel and arch, leaving the toes free. To find out which type of orthotics for plantar fasciitis is best for you, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options. 

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Tanya R. Sellers-Hannibal, DPM  from Maryland. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Owings Mills, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.